HMX Lucky vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) each offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Lucky switch, known for its softer, glittery nylon housing, delivers a lightweight, linear typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those seeking smooth keystrokes without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 switch caters to users who appreciate a tactile feel combined with a whisper-quiet operation, featuring a medium bump and a padded bottom-out that makes it particularly appealing for noise-sensitive environments. While the Lucky switch provides fluidity and ease of use, the Silent T1 enhances typing feedback while minimizing sound, thus perfect for shared spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impact the auditory experience of each switch. The Lucky utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a rounder acoustics when the switch is engaged. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 employs polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's rigidity. The inherent clarity and resonance of polycarbonate allow for more pronounced auditory feedback, particularly when the key is released, creating a distinct sound experience compared to the Lucky's muted tones.
Interestingly, both the HMX Lucky and the Durock Silent T1 share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. This alignment in bottom housing composition means that when it comes to the tactile experience felt during a key press, users will encounter similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and overall feel. The nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and providing a cohesive sound signature across both switches, despite their differing top materials. Thus, while the top housings differentiate the auditory outputs during the actuation and release of each keypress, the nylon bottom in both switches creates a foundationally similar tactile experience.
When considering the overall impact of these materials, it's essential to understand how they complement and contrast with one another. The HMX Lucky balances its nylon top and bottom to create a consistently muted auditory experience, ideal for those seeking a more subdued sound profile during typing. Meanwhile, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) leverages the clarity of polycarbonate in the top to enhance the high-end sounds while maintaining a full sound from the nylon bottom. Therefore, while the switches differ in their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing offers users a unified tactile experience even amidst the contrasting acoustic properties, emphasizing how crucial material choice is in keyboard design.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly affect their overall typing experiences. The Lucky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating extended typing sessions or gaming without as much strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. This heavier feel may appeal to users who enjoy more feedback and a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the heavier switch, catering to different preferences depending on whether the user prioritizes a softer or a more robust tactile sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that there is a distinction between the two. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent T1 features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. The shorter travel distance of the Lucky may cater to those who favor a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for efficient performance. In contrast, the Silent T1’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty typing experience. Thus, if you are inclined towards responsiveness, the Lucky would be the better choice, while the Silent T1 would be preferable for users appreciating a deeper, traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by its softly resonant audio profile, making it a pleasant choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience without the distinct clack often associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch excels in providing a muted auditory feedback, specifically designed for environments where noise sensitivity is paramount. Its subdued sound profile minimizes the typical mechanical clatter, ideal for late-night typing sessions or shared workspaces. Together, both switches maintain a quieter environment, although the Silent T1 takes this a step further with its specialized design aimed at reducing sound.
Regarding feel, the Lucky linear switch is known for its neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, largely attributed to its softer nylon housing. This offers a buttery smooth keystroke with a lack of tactile feedback, allowing for rapid and fluid input. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a more nuanced tactile experience. It features a medium bump that is both accentuated and polished, showcasing a stepped tactile response that allows typists to discern each keystroke with a sense of precision. The comparison highlights that while the Lucky focuses on a smooth linear progression, the Silent T1 balances smoothness with tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a little more engagement during their typing.
In summary, while the HMX Lucky linear switch favors a quieter and fluid typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) combines a muted sound profile with a medium tactile feel, making it well-suited for noise-sensitive situations. Each switch offers unique qualities; the Lucky focuses on neutrality and softness, while the Silent T1 emphasizes a refined tactile feedback without sacrificing sound dampening. Depending on personal preference, either switch could effectively meet the needs of a diverse range of typists, whether they lean towards fluidity or tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, your decision should hinge on your specific needs and environment. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience that feels smooth and satisfying, with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, the Lucky switch is a great option. It is especially well-suited for those who enjoy a neutral keystroke and a more straightforward, linear feedback without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting or you're looking for a switch that combines both tactility and sound reduction, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal. With a heavier 67-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a clear, yet subtle tactile bump alongside a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office environments or peaceful home setups. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your personal typing style and the ambient conditions in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
